Thomas Sutherland

Sir Thomas Sutherland, (, 16 August 1834 – 1 January 1922) was a Scottish banker and politician, initially elected to represent the Liberal Party and then as a Liberal Unionist. He founded HSBC and was a director of P&O.

Early life Sutherland was the son of Robert Sutherland and Christian Webster of Aberdeen. He was educated at Marischal College, University of Aberdeen. In 1863, he became the first chairman of the Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock. In order to help finance the burgeoning trade between China and Europe, and explore the potential for China—United States trade, Sutherland established HSBC in 1865 and became its first vice-chairman.

He was appointed member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong from 1865 to 1866. In 1872 he was appointed Managing Director of P&O.

In November 1884, Sutherland was elected at a by-election as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Greenock. A Liberal, he was re-elected in 1885, but when the Liberals split over Irish Home Rule he joined the breakaway Liberal Unionist Party. He was re-elected as a Liberal Unionist in 1886, but lost the seat at the 1892 general election. However, he was reinstated when his opponent was unseated on petition, and held the seat until he stood down at the 1900 general election.

Death and legacy In 1922, Sutherland died in London, England. Sutherland Street in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong was named after him.